The last thing anyone wants is to find out their security clearance application has been denied. You can use a few best practices to give your application the best chance at approval, like looking over the adjudicative guidelines and being completely honest on your application. But even if you complete your SF-86 as completely and honestly as possible, there’s still a chance your security clearance might be denied.
top five reasons for security clearance denial
Reasons could range from the obvious, such as ongoing criminal activity, to the less obvious, such as an adjudicator determining that you’re susceptible to coercion. Here are the top five reasons for security clearance denial:
1. Financial considerations
Almost half of all denials are due to financial issues. These could range from high levels of debt, unpaid taxes, or even moving without informing a creditor of your new address.
2. Personal conduct
Lying on your application, not cooperating with the investigation, and patterns of dishonest behavior are examples of personal conduct issues that are the second most common reason for security clearance denial.
3. Foreign influence
Even applicants with a strong allegiance to the United States can still be subject to foreign influence through family members, or otherwise have a risk of exposure to situations where their loyalty to the United States could become precarious.
4. Drug use
While many states have legalized marijuana and the federal government has decriminalized it, all types of drug use are still a red flag on security clearance applications.
5. Criminal conduct
This may seem obvious, but criminal conduct is one of the most common reasons for security clearance denial. However, keep in mind that not all criminal conduct is equal and criminal conduct is not an automatic disqualifier.
Options After a Denial
Even if your security clearance application is denied, you still have options. Presidential Executive Order 12968 requires that denied applicants be provided with a written explanation of their denial and a chance to request a review. You can hire a security clearance lawyer to help navigate the appeal process, and you can even hire legal counsel before submitting your SF-86 to advise you through the process if you’re concerned about your application.
If the denial is upheld, applicants are barred from applying for security clearance for one year. A previous denial doesn’t mean you’re destined to be denied a future security clearance, though. Re-applying after a clearance denial can be complicated and require extra steps but is well worth the work if clearance is important for your job.
Brynn Mahnke is a freelance writer specializing in researching, writing, and ghostwriting for clients in the career, finance, SaaS, and B2B/B2C niches. She focuses on writing case studies, whitepapers, ebooks, and articles showcasing the value her clients bring to their customers. When she isn't writing, you can find her running, cycling, or wrangling children. She can be reached through her website or at brynn.mahnke@gmail.com.
FAQs
More specific conditions that may endanger your security clearance include: A history of deceptive or illegal financial acts like embezzlement, tax evasion, and fraud; Failure to satisfy your debts; and. Financial problems caused by gambling, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse.
Why do security clearances get denied? ›
During the background check process, certain factors may lead to a person's clearance being denied—such as having a criminal record, financial issues such as bankruptcy or delinquent debts, having affiliations with groups or organizations connected with espionage, and/or drug use or addiction.
What disqualifies you from getting security clearance? ›
What can disqualify you?
- You are not a U.S. citizen.
- You were dishonorably discharged from the military.
- You are currently involved in illegal drug use.
- You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional.
- You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.
A Statement of Reasons (SOR) outlines the reasons for a security clearance denial. The SOR is a preliminary decision to deny or revoke a security clearance. It provides an individual to deny, refute or mitigate any adverse information.
Do they tell you why you fail security clearance? ›
But first, they will most often tell you why you are being rejected. The appeal process is done in two steps. The first is an internal appeal, and as soon as you hear back from them, you can decide what to do next. The second step is a final appeal, which goes through the Security Vetting Appeals Panel (SVAP).
What are the red flags for security clearance? ›
The most common security clearance disqualifiers include:
- Not a U.S. Citizen.
- Not loyal to the U.S. / foreign influence.
- Illegal drug use/involvement.
- Mental incompetency or psychological conditions.
- Dishonorable discharge from the military or revoked security clearance.
- A history of financial problems.
- Criminal activity.
Security Clearance Denial Appeals
Approximately 1% of applicants are denied a security clearance.
What percent of people fail security clearance? ›
Unfortunately, these clearance documents are not quite as easy to get as you might have perceived them to be. Just under 10% of applicants are denied by the National Security Agency.
What shows up on a security clearance check? ›
Security clearance information
The background investigation will: Review your previous and current employment history, including contact with your current employer. Verify your education, residential history and financial background. Interview your friends, neighbors, supervisors and coworkers.
What shows up on security clearance? ›
What information do you evaluate in the security clearance investigation? During the background and security clearance investigation, investigators will review delinquency in paying debts, tax obligations, certain criminal offenses and the illegal use or possession of drugs.
You have two options for appealing a security clearance denial:
- A written appeal to the Personnel Security Appeals Board, or PSAB.
- A hearing before a Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals, or DOHA, administrative judge.
Most government agencies allow an individual who has been denied a clearance or had their clearance revoked to reapply for a security clearance after 12 months from the date of the final decision. Some agencies require a wait of 24 months and others of 36 months.
Can you appeal a denial of security clearance? ›
If a decision is made to deny a clearance, the applicant is notified in writing and advised of their right to appeal the decision. Any applicant may appeal a clearance denial or revocation to the federal agency's three-member Personnel Security Appeals Board (PSAB). PSAB decisions are made by a majority vote.
Can you try again for a failed security clearance? ›
Federal contractors, civilian government employees and military personnel can reapply for a security clearance after a period of one year. Don't be discouraged by a previous denial. It's no big deal to reapply; it happens successfully all of the time.
What is the hardest security clearance to get? ›
Top secret clearance: This type of security clearance is the most restrictive and provides access to information that can cause grave damage to national security if disclosed without authorization. Must be reinvestigated for continued eligibility every five years.
What do government security clearances look for? ›
What information do you evaluate in the security clearance investigation? During the background and security clearance investigation, investigators will review delinquency in paying debts, tax obligations, certain criminal offenses and the illegal use or possession of drugs.
